Linking the Torah to the writing of Theodor Herzl
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Bereshit
The decades that transformed Judaism
Judaism was shaped through three brief periods of radical changes: the Abrahamic revolution that shaped Judaism 1.0; the 1st century CE destruction of the Temple that shaped Judaism 2.0; and the 20th century Zionist revolution that seeded Judaism 3.0
The exodus from Babel continues
God tells all of humanity Lech Lecha (Go!), but they defy his orders and entrench in Babel. One man hears God’s call , and sets a global divide that resurfaces in 21st century: Abraham’s Monotheism vs Babel’s supremacism
The fall of Universalism
European secularism, anchored in Universalism, has turned into the zealous religion of our time. A line can be drawn from Babel to today’s Europe
The longevity of Abraham’s foreign policy doctrine
Abraham and Herzl both realized that the Jewish state will only exist if it will be needed, not because it will be pitied
The night in Sodom that set back Abraham’s monotheistic revolution
Accommodating Lot’s interests came at a heavy price. To understand its magnitude, one needs to exit the monotheistic “conception” and enter the mindset of the other side
Deciphering Isaac’s error in choosing Esau
When there is no prophecy, one needs to resort to other mechanisms to determine the right course of action – and that can lead to mistakes
Who had the Abrahamic Blessing?
New insight on reasons Easu did not kill Jacob
Jacob’s and Herzl’s Struggle
Herzl’s interpretation of Jacob’s conflict also is indicative of his own
Did Jacob Purchase Jerusalem?
New insight into King David’s claim to Jerusalem
Joseph and Herzl seeking their brethern
Two strangers, one who encountered Joseph and another who encountered Herzl, lead them to their brethren and change Judaism
Shemot
From ‘Then Sang Moses’ to ‘Then Sang Herzl’
Herzl’s view of the Exodus from Europe in comparison to the Exodus from Egypt
The essence of the exodus from Egypt and from Europe
The exodus from Egypt and the one from Europe 3,000 years later are so similar that biblical critics in the far future might argue that they were on and the same
Jews of Egypt, Europe were bound by mental enslavement
The Hebrews in Egypt during Moses’s time, and the Jews in Europe during Herzl’s time, failed to envision the path to freedom
Egyptians and European influences altered the state of Judaism
Forty years of quarantine in the desert blocked external influences, allowing the Hebrews to shape their authentic true character
Passover as Jewish particularity
Herzl created a new anchor for Judaism, having concluded that the primary malaise of 2,000 years of exile was not the persecution, but rather the lack of unified Jewish political leadership
Was there a coup in Egypt during the biblical Exodus?
While speculative and not supported by commentators , exploring the possibility of more than one Pharaoh, can serve as an exercise in applying our contemporary experience to better understand the Torah, and vice versa.
Moses and Zipporah’s ‘Tikkun’
A new look at the circumcision of Moses’s son
The failures of the Aharon-Hur administration
Ceremonial transitions of power and authority of an elite might be two lessons learned from the events of the Golden Calf
The Golden Calf reappears
Herzl predicted that once the Jewish States would be established, the dancers around the Golden Calf will be furious at him
Vaikra
From Exodus to Leviticus – Herzl’s Journey’s Blessings
Understanding just how revolutionary was the idea to leave Mount Sinai, and how Herzl envisioned this journey to continue long after we arrive in the Promised Land.
The inauguration of Judaism 1.0
The Temple was the anchor of the first era of Judaism. This article takes us from its origin in the Parasha to its depiction by Herzl’s utopia, being visible from long distances, “for it is only our ancient faith that has kept us together.”
BeMidbar
To Egypt or to Israel?
A transformation is recognized by Caleb and Joshua in the Parasha and later recognized by Herzl
Perception vs reality through the story of the 12 spies
Applying Herzl’s thinking to understand better this defining biblical event, and its implication to today
Understanding Datan, Aviram and Post-Judaism 1.0
Judaism 3.0 gives us new tools to understand our past
Did Miriam die from her leprosy?
An interpretive autopsy of Miriam could cast a different light on the 40 years in the desert
The age-old question: Is God still with Israel?
Relationship with Israel have been a function of the world’s nations assessment of a basis question
The outside that helps push Jewish in: From the Exodus to Judaism 3.0
The world nation’s recognition of Monotheism then, and of Zionism now, contribues tot Jew’s own acceptance
The emergence of a Jewish elite
Herzl recognized the importance of having an elite, as long as the elites know their boundaries
The occupation & liberation of the Moabian territories
geopolitical realities in Parashat Balak can be used to understand today’s Middle East and Europe
The conclusion and re-emergence of Monotheism vs Paganism
Events during the time of Balak and Ballam suddenly become eleven in the 2020s
The Balaam effect on Wagner
Those whose curse was turned, and became a blessing
New look at the battle of Jericho and a possible pandemic
The 2020s Covid pandemic possibly sheds new light on events of the bible
Devarim
Moses’ secret formula for governance stability
Moses and Herzl both were concerned about governance continuity. The system Moses put in place outlast alternative solutions for policy continuity – such as monarchical dynasties and emergence of “deep state”
Unveiling our eyes
Moses seems to suggest that knowledge is already there, but we fail to recognize it due to a state of enslavement – nationally or personally. Herzl describes a similar situation – until his own eyes were unveiled.
‘De-Mosesizing’ of Judaism 1.0, and the ‘Re-Herzlizing’ of Judaism 3.0
Two phases of Judaism each began in one man’s consciousness.
About to enter Canaan: Passover of growing emancipation
From the first Passover in the Promised land, to today – expanding Jewish emancipation
Is the Israeli song ‘Oof Gozal’ a subconscious midrash for Sefer Dvarim?
God-fearing seculars is a new phenomenon in Judaism, and hence new tools are needed: Einstein’s song, as interpreted, provides such a conduit
About
Parasha & Herzl links topic in the weekly Torah reading with the writing of Theodor Herzl, the father of modern Zionism.
It is based on a monthly column in the Jerusalem Post by Gol Kalev and related discussions that are held in Jerusalem.
RECENT EVENTS & PRESS
Recent Event (December 15, 2019): Herzl Center
Recent Event (January 12, 2020): Machne Yehuda
Recent event (February 9, 2020): The Song of the Sea
In the Press: Jerusalem Post – Grapevine
To participate in Parasha & Herzl discussions in Jerusalem, please email: ParashaAndHerzl@gmail.com
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